If one harbours anywhere in one's mind a nationalistic loyalty or hatred, certain facts, although in a sense known to be true, are inadmissible.
George OrwellRead
The aim of a joke is not to degrade the human being, but to remind him that he is already degraded.
Interpretation
Jokes should be used to highlight human flaws rather than to belittle individuals.
George Orwell's quote suggests that the purpose of humor is not to insult or demean people's dignity but rather to draw attention to the inherent shortcomings and absurdities of the human condition. Through laughter, we can confront our own degradations and flaws, perhaps leading to deeper understanding and acceptance of our shared humanity.
In practice
In a comedy show, a comedian might reference this quote to explain the deeper purpose behind their jokes.
If one harbours anywhere in one's mind a nationalistic loyalty or hatred, certain facts, although in a sense known to be true, are inadmissible.
The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.
Political writing in our time consists almost entirely of prefabricated phrases bolted together like the pieces of a child's Meccano set. It is the unavoidable result of self-censorship. To write in plain, vigorous language one has to think fearlessly, and if one thinks fearlessly one cannot be politically orthodox.
Not to expose your true feelings to an adult seems to be instinctive from the age of seven or eight onwards.
As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.
It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
For your own safety, do not ever tell an astrophysicist, I hope all your stars are twinkling.
Cribbage, n. A substitute for conversation among those to whom nature has denied ideas.
Calvin: Trick or treat! Adult: Where's your costume? What are you supposed to be? Calvin: I'm yet another resource-consuming kid in an overpopulated planet, raised to an alarming extent by Madison Avenue and Hollywood, poised with my cynical and alienated peers to take over the world when you're old and weak... Am I scary, or what?
ASS, n. A public singer with a good voice but no ear.
Monday is an awful way to spend 1/7 of your life.
You know, I have found a new way to get high and stay spaced out for hours on end, and the government can't stop me... It's called senility.
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